Despite everything that’s been said and gone down over the last few years, Deshaun Watson is officially the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener. Head coach Todd Monken dropped the news Monday, making it crystal clear that this isn’t some maybe-this-week thing. Watson is QB1, full stop, and the coaching staff is betting on him to lead the charge.
The “Best Chance” Bet
Monken didn’t mince words about why he picked Watson over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders. He said straight up, “Deshaun is going to start against Jacksonville.” This isn’t just a gut feeling, either. Monken pointed to “the full body of work over the course of offseason to training camp, to the games, to joint practice” as the ultimate decider. Talk about a comprehensive evaluation! They looked at *everything* to make this call. Why? Because, as Monken put it, to kick off the season on the road against Jacksonville, Watson gives them “the best chance to move the ball and score points.” And let’s be real, that’s what this whole game is about, right? Moving that ball and putting up points. It wasn’t an easy decision, though. Monken even admitted he “felt that way going into the last game, but wasn’t sure” until the staff “talked” and “re-looked at everything.” That’s real talk, showing the deliberation behind such a critical decision.
No Week-to-Week Shuffle Here
Here’s where it gets even more interesting for Cleveland fans. This isn’t some trial run or a QB carousel waiting to happen. Monken made it explicitly clear: “we’re not anticipating this being a week-by-week thing.” That’s a massive vote of confidence, or at least a strong commitment, from the coaching staff right out of the gate. Shedeur Sanders has apparently done “a great job” and “come a long ways,” and the team is “excited about his future.” But for now, for Week 1 and beyond, the message is loud and clear: “this is not a week-to-week decision.” It means they’re riding with Watson, believing he’s the guy who gives them the best shot at putting Ws in the column from the jump. This isn’t just about one game, it’s about setting the tone for the season.
So, get ready, Cleveland. Watson is lining up against Jacksonville for that Week 1 showdown. Monken believes he’s the player who gives the Browns the absolute best chance to win, to score, and to get that crucial first victory on the road. All eyes will be on Watson to see if he can deliver on that promise and prove Monken’s confidence was well-placed. The season kicks off now, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for this opening act.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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